“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world,” observed anthropologist Margaret Mead. “Indeed,” she said, “it’s the only thing that ever has.” Her idea may seem quaint—but a bit naive, in this age of monied special interests and tightly controlled mass media.

Yet grassroots expression happens to be the essence of democracy, proclaims Jim Hightower. He’s the colorful Texan in a cowboy hat and cowboy boots, who travels the United States rallying citizens to challenge the policies of big government or big business, whenever some heartless Goliath is threatening a vulnerable David.

Jim Hightower served two terms as agriculture commissioner of the state of Texas. He writes a popular monthly newsletter, “The Hightower Lowdown” and his latest book is entitled, “Thieves in High Places: They’ve Stolen Our Country and It’s Time to Take it Back.” He says citizen activists are all part of the deep American tradition of populism.

There’s this deep streak of populist rebellion that is in us as a people and that has been the spark that has made America what it is.”

—Jim Hightower